Chapter 205 Celebrating Yanzi's Birthday in Dali

Time flew by, and after traveling for half a month, they finally arrived in Dali, the place Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi had been longing to visit.

Lifting the curtain of the carriage, you can see herds of cattle and sheep running across the grassland outside the window, and you can also hear the songs of the people of Dali.

As they approached the city gate of Dali, they saw the people of Dali holding a welcoming ceremony for them.

Xiao Jian led everyone to the Xiao Mansion in Dali, where Xiao Jian's uncle and aunt were already waiting for them at the gate.

"Master, this is the Xiao family of Dali." Xiao Jian stood behind Qianlong and introduced them to him. "These two are my uncle and aunt."

"Qing'er." Xiao Jian looked at Qing'er, clearly wanting her to go over and greet the two elders.

"Qing'er greets Uncle and Aunt." Qing'er curtsied to the two elders.

Xiao Yao laughed and said, "No, no, Jian'er already told us in the letter that you are a noblewoman, how could you possibly bow to us!"

Qing'er smiled slightly and said, "Even someone of noble birth should pay respects to their elders."

Little Swallow stepped forward and said, "Uncle and Aunt, Little Swallow is back to bother you again!"

Xiao Yao smiled helplessly, "You silly girl, you're married now, why are you still like a child..."

Little Swallow smiled smugly, "Because I have Yongqi!"

Hearing Xiao Yanzi's words, everyone couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Yongqi has met his uncle and aunt."

Xiao Yao nodded in satisfaction, "Although I didn't get to see you in person before, I did see the portrait that Xiao Yanzi drew herself. Now that I've met you in person, you truly live up to your reputation. No wonder Xiao Yanzi was willing to stay in the palace for you!"

Seeing that they were chatting so enthusiastically that they had almost forgotten about Emperor Qianlong, Xiao Jian felt a little embarrassed. "Master, please."

Emperor Qianlong smiled and said, "Only when I can see that Xiao Yanzi and your family are still alive can my heart truly be at peace."

"Master, you helped our Xiao family clear our name and even bestowed such a wonderful marriage upon me and Xiao Yanzi. We are so grateful to you!"

Emperor Qianlong sighed helplessly, "But in the end, if it weren't for my negligence back then, how could your parents have..."

"If Yongqi hadn't found Xiaoyanzi in advance, Xiaoyanzi's life would probably have been even more difficult!"

Just then, Xiao Yanzi came over and helped Qianlong up, saying, "What are you talking about, Master? If it weren't for your kind heart, I wouldn't be where I am today!"

"You can stay here for a while and experience the local customs and culture of Dali."

"If our parents are watching from heaven, they will surely thank us for protecting us along the way!"

"Tomorrow is Xiao Yanzi's birthday, Uncle and Aunt, we can throw a big banquet for her." Xiao Jian's words attracted everyone's attention.

"Brother, have you prepared something?" Little Swallow looked at these young men suspiciously. "We've been traveling these past few days, did you discuss this on the way?"

Yongqi walked over to Xiaoyanzi, placed his hands on her shoulders, and said, "Rest well today. Tomorrow, I'll give you a different kind of birthday present!"

Emperor Qianlong laughed heartily and said, "Little Swallow, don't worry about it. Just wait and see how they perform tomorrow!"

Xiao Yao had already received the news and knew how to cooperate with them. "Yes, you must all be tired from your long journey. We have prepared a meal, so please go and have your meal first."

Emperor Qianlong walked at the front, with Xiao Yao and his wife leading the way, while Yongqi, Xiao Jian, and the others followed behind.

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The next morning, when Xiao Yanzi woke up, she found that Yongqi was no longer beside her. "He's all cold. Why did he get up so early?"

Xiao Yanzi couldn't help but wonder what Yongqi had been up to.

After Xiao Yanzi stepped out of the room, she saw that the courtyard had already been decorated.

"What's that?" Little Swallow looked over and saw a stage that Yongqi and his men had set up. "Does anyone want to perform?"

Xia Ziwei said with a smile, "You, the birthday star, should just sit in your seat and leave the rest to us!"

After everyone had finished their preparations and taken their seats, Yongqi stood at the head of the table and said, "Little Swallow, today is your birthday. Originally, according to your life plan, we would have prepared to get married at this time, but because of me, you changed your plans, married me ahead of schedule, and gave birth to Mianhua and Mianyao for me..."

"Even though you're in the martial world, your heart is still with us. You solved the problem for the master in the Hui region and sent people to keep an eye on Burma and Annam..."

"Little Swallow, I don't ask for much in this life. First, I wish for peace and prosperity for the Qing Dynasty, and favorable weather for crops. Second, I wish for everyone to be safe, happy, and have all their wishes fulfilled. Third, I wish to grow old with you."

"Little Swallow, the gift for you today was specially arranged by everyone. We hope you'll be satisfied."

After Yongqi finished expressing his thoughts, he stepped off the stage.

Then, Xiao Yanzi saw her familiar children go on stage to perform her first meeting with Yongqi.

"You brat, how dare you steal my steamed buns! I'll beat you to death!"

"Wait a minute, sir. I apologize on her behalf. How much was this steamed bun? I'll pay for it!"

When Little Swallow was being gossiped about and insulted, she couldn't take it anymore and slapped herself.

"Those who insulted me think they can leave safely? They're really showing no respect for me, the Fifth Prince!"

"Little Swallow, well done. When you encounter people like this, you should teach them a lesson. But don't hit them next time. Your hands are all red. Does it hurt?"

Little Swallow copied the "Great Harmony" chapter of the Book of Rites and complained that the four characters for "widow, widow, and lonely" were so difficult to write.

"Yongqi, why are these characters so difficult to write?"

"What do I have in mind? It's just a ladybug..."

"What fish ladybug? This is clearly a widow, orphan, and lonely creature!"

One scene after another unfolded before Xiao Yanzi's eyes, and she was already moved to tears.

"Little Swallow, I swear in the name of the Emperor of the Great Qing Dynasty that I will protect you and Yongqi and ensure that you will be together for life!"

"Little Swallow, no matter what happens in the future, your brother and sister-in-law will always be there to support you!"

"Little Swallow, you are my sister, my sister-in-law, and my leader. So, as long as I live, the Purple Cloud Sect and I will protect you forever!"

"Little Swallow, listen to me! As long as I, Saiya, am still here, Ertai, Mongolia, and I will all be your helpers and support. Just say the word, and we will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

"Master, even if the sun rises in the west and the sea flows backward, I, Xiaozhuozi, will resolutely protect you!"

"My lord, these are swallow-shaped breads made by my son and a few of his talented but clumsy friends. Please accept them."

"Little Swallow, this is a book I wrote for you, recording your deeds in words and telling future generations how outstanding you are!"

Little Swallow wiped away her tears as she spoke, "What's wrong with you all today? It's my birthday, and you have to make me cry!"

Qing'er laughed and said, "Little Swallow, quickly wipe away your tears. You are the birthday star, and the birthday star should be happy and laughing!"

Yongqi gently wiped away Xiaoyanzi's tears, "Alright, stop crying, go and try the bread that Cai Zi made!"

"The bread made by these talented men certainly doesn't taste as good as the Fifth Prince's. Please don't be offended, Your Highness!" Little Bug scratched his head and looked at Little Swallow with a smile.

Little Swallow couldn't help but laugh out loud, "You all went to so much trouble to make swallow-shaped bread for me, I'm overjoyed, how could I complain? Besides, Yongqi isn't such a petty person!"

The Four Great Talents: Master, do you want to see what you're saying?

Yongqi: For Xiaoyanzi's birthday, I'll allow her to praise your bread today!